https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.910000859

Received: 12 June 2025; Accepted: 16 October 2025; Published: 27 November 2025

Ensuring quality early childhood and primary education requires sustainable funding and effective resource

management. However, many education systems face financial instability, inefficient resource allocation, and

policy inconsistencies that hinder the delivery of quality learning. Inadequate funding leads to overcrowded

classrooms, insufficient learning materials, low teacher motivation, and poor infrastructure, affecting student

performance and overall educational outcomes. This study explores sustainable funding mechanisms and best

practices in resource management to improve education quality. Using a survey-based approach, data were

collected from government officials, school administrators, teachers, parents, and donor agencies. The study

funding, resource management, and learning outcomes, this study also provided valuable insights for education

sector reforms and long-term sustainability.

Quality early childhood and primary education are fundamentals in shaping a child's cognitive, social, and

emotional development. However, achieving and maintaining high educational standards require sustainable

funding and effective resource management (UNESCO, 2021). Many educational institutions, particularly in

developing countries, struggle with financial constraints that limit access to essential learning materials, qualified

teachers, and adequate infrastructure (World Bank, 2020). These challenges highlight the need for research on

sustainable funding mechanisms that can enhance equity and quality in education.

Early childhood and primary education needs comprise of physical, emotional, social and cognitive

interruptions in essential services, leading to compromised learning outcomes and increased dropout rates.

Resource management involves the efficient allocation and utilization of financial, human, and material

resources to maximize educational outcomes (Ngware, 2018). Effective resource management ensures that

available funds are used appropriately to improve teacher salaries, school infrastructure, learning materials, and

student support services. Poor resource management can lead to wastage, inefficiencies, and misallocation of

funds, further widening the gap between well-funded and underfunded schools.

Quality education, in this context, is characterized by improved student performance, well-trained teachers,

sufficient learning materials, and a conducive learning environment (UNICEF, 2020). The availability of

sustainable funding and effective resource management directly influences education quality, as schools with

adequate financial resources and proper management are more likely to offer engaging curricula, modern

Education funding is increasingly being influenced by both government and private sector investments.

Governments remain the primary source of education funding, allocating budgets to public schools and providing

subsidies to support education access (OECD, 2020). However, financial constraints often lead to funding gaps,

prompting private sector involvement. Private institutions, corporate sponsorships, and public-private

partnerships (PPPs) have become essential in supplementing government funding. While private sector

investment can enhance infrastructure and technology in schools, concerns arise regarding access and

affordability, particularly in low-income communities.

International donors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and development agencies play a crucial role in

funding education initiatives. Organizations such as the World Bank, UNICEF, and UNESCO provide grants,

scholarships, and infrastructural support to improve education quality, particularly in developing countries.

funding gaps by supporting school programs, infrastructure, and extracurricular activities. Engaging

communities in education funding fosters a sense of ownership, accountability, and long-term sustainability

(Bray, 2018). However, disparities in community resources can lead to unequal educational opportunities,

requiring balanced funding strategies.

This research aims to find out sustainable funding and education quality, identify challenges in resource

management, and propose strategic solutions for long-term financial stability in early childhood and primary

education. Findings from this study will provide policymakers and stakeholders with insights to enhance funding

strategies and optimize resource utilization for improved educational outcomes.

The foundation of any nation's educational system lies in early childhood and primary education, as these stages

funding from government and private sources. Many schools rely on government subventions, donor support, or

parental contributions, which may not be sustainable in the long run. In cases where funds are available,

mismanagement, corruption, and lack of proper accountability mechanisms often hinder the effective utilization

of these resources, preventing schools from achieving their educational goals. Additionally, the lack of long-

term financial planning and reliance on unpredictable funding sources often result in interruptions in school

operations, delays in teacher salaries, and a decline in the quality of education. Another critical issue is inefficient

resource management. In many schools, available resources including finances, infrastructure, instructional

materials, and human capital are not optimally allocated or utilized, leading to wastage and underperformance.

Poor planning and lack of transparency in budgeting contribute to inequitable distribution of educational

resources, with some schools receiving better funding and facilities while others remain underfunded. Moreover,

rapid population growth and increasing school enrollments further strain the already limited resources, making

it difficult for schools to maintain small class sizes, provide individualized learning, and ensure teacher

practical solutions to ensure that early childhood and primary education systems receive consistent funding and

optimize available resources. The study will investigate various funding models, resource allocation strategies,

and policy interventions that can enhance the sustainability of educational financing while ensuring efficient

utilization of resources to improve learning outcomes. By addressing these issues, this research aims to

contribute to the development of a financially stable and well-managed educational system that guarantees

quality early childhood and primary education for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Research Questions

1. What are the effects of sustainable funding on early childhood and primary school education?

2. What are the effects of quality resource management strategies on early childhood and primary school

education?

and social benefits. According to Becker (1964), education is a crucial form of capital that yields long-term

returns, both at the individual and societal levels. The principles of the Human Capital Theory emphasize the

importance of continuous investment in knowledge and skills to drive economic growth, reduce inequalities, and

improve overall well-being. This theory is relevant to this study as it underscores the need for sustainable funding

and efficient resource management in education, ensuring that children receive quality education that contributes

to national development and economic stability. By aligning financial strategies with human capital investment,

policymakers and educators can create a robust education system that produces well-equipped individuals ready

to contribute to society.

Research Design

This study adopted a survey research design, which is appropriate for gathering quantifiable data from a large

research approach was underpinned by the positivist paradigm, which emphasizes objectivity, reliability, and

generalizability of results. Data analysis was carried out in two phases. First, descriptive statistics percentage,

mean scores, and frequency distributions were applied to present trends in funding adequacy, teacher salary

satisfaction, and availability of learning materials. Second, inferential statistics, specifically regression analysis,

were used to test hypotheses and determine the extent to which sustainable funding and resource management

predicted education quality. By combining descriptive and inferential analysis, the study ensured both clarity of

trends and depth of interpretation.

The population for this study comprised 1,250 key stakeholders in early childhood and primary education in

Plateau and Nasarawa states. These stakeholders were considered critical, as their decisions and perspectives

directly shape the financing, management, and quality of education. Below is a table depicting the population

for the study.

Sampling

A stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure that subgroups were adequately represented.

The strata were based on:

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

Nigeria’s education system requires a holistic approach one that addresses financing adequacy, teacher welfare,

resource distribution, and accountability simultaneously.

-Transparent financial management and diversified funding sources should be adopted to ensure sustainability